Rare lichens with anti-cancer properties found in Odisha’s Similipal forest

Known nationwide for its rare melanistic black tigers, Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve again hogged the headlines for a completely different reason—medicinal science. Researchers have now discovered a rich variety of lichens deep inside the dense forests of Similipal in Mayurbhanj district, many of which possess significant medicinal properties, sources said on Friday.

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Lichens are rare biological compounds that do not occur in all forest ecosystems. Studies have identified 148 species of lichens in Similipal forests, some of which show anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This discovery could position the Similipal as an important centre for future pharmaceutical research.

The findings have emerged from research conducted by the Department of Biotechnology at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (MSCBU). Scientists believe these lichens may play a vital role in developing treatments for cancer and infectious diseases. Certain species identified here are being reported for the first time in India and Odisha.

Out of 148 species of lichens spotted so far in Similipal, ‘Physcia Melan Chroma’ has been found first in India and ‘Cladonia Protic Loza’ was discovered for the first time in Odisha.

Experts say the antioxidant properties of these lichens can help protect cells from damage and may contribute to managing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, ageing-related disorders, and other chronic illnesses. The discovery adds a new scientific dimension to Similipal’s ecological importance.

“Pure anti-cancer compounds have not been isolated yet, but have been detected by us. The compounds in lichen having anti-cancer properties have been identified. Those are to be further purified, and their efficacies are to be studied. However, it is a time-consuming affair,” MSCBU research head, Prof Biswajit Rath, said to OTV.

“We had got this research project from the Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha. We have identified 148 species, and still there are over 50 samples with us, the identification of which are under process. We have been working in association with the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow. Their specialised lab is helping us with the identification of the species,” the research head expressed when contacted.